Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the 1960s, known for its emphasis on the blending of art with everyday life and its critique of traditional artistic values and institutions. This movement encouraged spontaneity, playfulness, and the inclusion of various media, including performance, music, and visual art, often challenging the commercialization and market-driven nature of art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists sought to democratize art by breaking down barriers between artist and audience, promoting participatory experiences.
2. The movement was influenced by various elements, including Dadaism, Zen Buddhism, and the philosophy of John Cage, emphasizing chance and spontaneity.
3. Fluxus is characterized by its use of everyday materials and actions as artistic mediums, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes art.
4. Key figures associated with Fluxus include George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik, each contributing unique perspectives on the movement's ethos.
5. The Fluxus movement has had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices, paving the way for performance art and multimedia installations.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus challenge traditional notions of art and artistic value?
  • Fluxus challenged traditional notions of art by emphasizing spontaneity and the integration of everyday life into artistic practices. Artists rejected the idea that art should be confined to galleries or created for commercial purposes. Instead, they aimed to create participatory experiences that engaged audiences directly, making art accessible to everyone. This anti-commercial stance contributed to their critique of market-driven artistic values.
• Discuss the influence of other artistic movements on Fluxus and how this helped shape its philosophy.
  • Fluxus was influenced by several movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism, which both critiqued conventional aesthetics and embraced absurdity. Additionally, Zen Buddhism played a role in shaping Fluxus' emphasis on chance and spontaneity in artistic creation. The intersection of these influences led Fluxus artists to explore new mediums and ideas, focusing less on the final product and more on the creative process itself. This philosophical shift allowed them to redefine what constituted art.
• Evaluate the significance of Fluxus in the context of alternative models of artistic exchange in contemporary art.
  • Fluxus plays a critical role in shaping alternative models of artistic exchange by promoting participatory practices that invite audience involvement. The movement's emphasis on collaboration over individual authorship fosters a sense of community among artists and audiences alike. Furthermore, Fluxus' challenge to market-oriented approaches has paved the way for contemporary art movements that prioritize concept over commodification. As a result, Fluxus not only influences modern artistic practices but also continues to encourage dialogues about the value and accessibility of art in society.

Related terms

Happenings: Spontaneous, event-based performances that blur the line between art and life, often associated with the Fluxus movement.

Anti-art: A term used to describe artworks and movements that challenge the conventional definitions and purposes of art, often linked with Fluxus philosophy.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished product itself, resonating with Fluxus principles of prioritizing concepts over materiality.